Jul 14, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

FARMINGTON – A parade, fireworks and other fanfare marked the closing Saturday of what organizers called one of the most successful Fayette County Firemen’s Association conventions ever. While Saturday’s parade was sparsely attended, Brian Vansickle, chief of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department, said participation by the fire companies was at its highest level during the weeklong convention.

Farmington and the Hopwood fire companies co-hosted the annual event, which included competitions, events and election of officers for the upcoming year.

“There are 50 fire companies in Fayette County, along with the search and rescue team, HAZMAT and the county emergency management, and everyone had representatives here this week,” said Vansickle. “It was a great show of support.”

Vansickle speculated that the large representation from the fire companies stemmed from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “I think Sept. 11 reunited the firemen,” he said. “It reminded us of the importance of brotherhood. …I think that is why we had such a good turnout.”

In addition to skills competitions, the members discussed rising costs associated with operating volunteer emergency services and the lack of support at the state and federal levels.

“I know a lot of us have applied for grants, but we continue to get turned down,” he said. “It’s very frustrating, because the cost of equipment and insurance continues to go up.”

Vansickle said the Farmington company recently ordered a $263,000 truck that will be paid for because of the dedication and hard work of its members and support from the community.

“Our (Wharton Township) supervisors are very good to us and help us when they can, but they don’t have a lot of money to put into the fire company,” he said.

Another problem facing the volunteer companies is their inability to draw new members.

“The young people just don’t want to become firefighters,” said Vansickle.

“On average, our youngest members are 25 years old. At one time it was 16.”

The association also agreed to donate $1,000 to the Isabella Volunteer Fire Company to assist in its rebuilding project.

Within a four-day period, the company’s social hall and a 1937 fire truck the members were refurbishing were destroyed in two fires.

“We sent money to the New York fire departments after 9/11,” said Van Sickle. “We also have to help our own.”

The association also selected new officers for the upcoming year, including James Bungard, president; Wilford Torrence, first vice president; Vansickle, second vice president; Robbie Lieberger, third vice president; Roye Leckemby, chaplain; Leonard Lynch, secretary; and Larry Abel, treasurer.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better week,” said Bill Large, Hopwood fire chief. “Everything went very well.”